Each month one of our member agencies
feature a "star" whose service to children in foster care deserves special recognition.
Stars receive a small gift from FAM and a certificate of appreciation from the nominating agency. This month we honor a family from our partner, The Institute of Professional Practice.
On behalf of the Professional Parenting Program at IPPI, I would like to recognize a remarkable individual who is truly making a difference in the lives of so many children. Ms. Veronica is a warm, nurturing, and patient woman. She raised three biological children, adopted three DCF youth, and supported several others over the past 17 years. Erika Zwick, social worker with IPPI, has had the honor of working alongside Ms. Veronica for the past 18 months. Erika states, "She is the most genuine and sincere person ever! She truly cares about her children and will do anything for them. She is so invested, understanding, and committed!" Veronica was born on September 26, 1950 in Georgetown, Guyana. She was one of four children. Her father was a commercial fisherman and her mother was a homemaker. They lived in the city, but spent a lot of time in the country where her grandparents resided. Veronica's parents valued education, faith, honesty, family connectedness, and mutual respect. Veronica has fond memories of her upbringing in Guyana. At the age of eighteen, Veronica left Guyana with her parents, who desired a better life for their family. They lived in Canada for one year and then settled down in Connecticut in 1969. Veronica raised three biological children and then took in her niece in 1995. She was two years old at the time. A few years later, Veronica was licensed to provide foster care through DCF. She accepted a premature baby and one year later, took in his sister. Both of these children had significant developmental delays because of neglect. Veronica devoted all of her time and energy to getting services and helping these children reach their potential. Over time, reunification efforts were discontinued and the children became legally free for adoption. Veronica adopted both children in 2000. Her niece moved out this past fall to join the Army and both other adopted children are high school students, thriving across environments. In 2011, Veronica decided to open her home once again and became licensed with IPPI. She accepted placement of a 7 year old boy, who initially presented as very guarded and angry. Erika Zwick says, "She really got to know him, learned his triggers, and showed him that she was really committed to him." Over time, this young boy settled into this family and began making remarkable progress. When the opportunity arose to adopt, Veronica did so without hesitation. The adoption was made official in September, 2012. Veronica has been afforded the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mother over the years, which has allowed her to be very present in daily lives of her children. She takes a positive approach to parenting. She explains, "You can catch more flies with a teaspoon of honey than having a whole gallon of vinegar." She fosters open lines of communication and mutual respect amongst family members. She also does her best to keep the children involved in various extracurricular activities such as basketball, Youth Group, gymnastics, etc. Although Veronica is a single parent, she has a strong support system that consists of fellow foster parents, her adult children, and other close friends. From the beginning of her time with IPPI, Veronica has been a team player and welcome addition to our IPPI family. It is with gratitude and sincere appreciation that we say, THANK YOU, Ms. Veronica!!! We can't wait to see what the future holds for your family! Christy George-Tottenham, LMFT Recruitment & Training Coordinator  |
weekend. All month long. we honor the families formed through adoption with regional and statewide dinners and events such as the Sound Tigers game (see below). For many families, this is a month to celebrate their love for each other and to also remember birth families and the unique role they play in their families. For those of you waiting for a match, this can be a poignant time, filled with longing and hope that you, too, will be touched by adoption by this time next year.
